Which party in the 1890s advocated public ownership of railroads and a graduated federal income tax?

• A. Populist Party (People's Party)
• B. Republican Party
• C. Democratic Party
• D. Socialist Party

Answer: (A)

In the 1890s, the Populist Party (People's Party) led the reform agenda of farmers and laborers who believed big business and railroads had too much power. They argued that railroads were privately owned and rigged to squeeze farmers, so government ownership of the railroads would let the public regulate rates, prevent price gouging, and ensure fair access for everyone. They also saw the tax system as biased in favor of the wealthy and the debt-burden on farmers under the metal standard; a graduated federal income tax would place higher rates on larger incomes, easing the load on common people. These two planks—public ownership of railroads and a graduated income tax—were central to their platform, reflecting a broader aim to democratize economic power and curb the power of monopolies.